clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Friday’s FTB asks: What even is goaltender interference?

Who can even guess how a review will go?

Toronto Maple Leafs v Chicago Blackhawks Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images

Last night there were at least two goalie interference reviews in the NHL.

The other disallowed goal was in OT for the Oilers, and Connor McDavid was annoyed after when they had to win it twice:

'Frustrated' Connor McDavid chirps refs for disallowed Oilers OT goal - Sportsnet.ca
Goalie interference is becoming a frustrating topic for hockey players and fans and Connor McDavid let his emotions boil over Thursday.

In fact, it seems no one knows what interference is, when and how it will be called or if a goal will count. Several broadcast crews I’ve heard have said they just won’t even try to analyse decisions anymore, they can’t figure out the logic.

And now it appears, coaches are in the dark:

Coaches frustrated with concept, execution of video review challenges - Article - TSN
"Not one coach I've talked to knows how [goalie interference] is being called from game to game," said one NHL head coach.

So how do you fix it? Have the situation room guys in Toronto make the decision? Have the refs on the ice make the decision alone, make unsuccessful reviews have a penalty like with offside reviews?

Poll

How can goalie interference reviews be fixed?

This poll is closed

  • 4%
    Call the penalty for interference all the time even when a goal isn’t scored
    (13 votes)
  • 1%
    Have the refs on the ice make the call, just give them a better tablet
    (4 votes)
  • 27%
    Have the situation room alone make the decision
    (81 votes)
  • 7%
    Failed review challenges result in a penalty
    (21 votes)
  • 6%
    Put a time limit on how long the refs have, and if they go over, the call on the ice stands
    (18 votes)
  • 53%
    Change the entire definition of goalie interference to make it less subjective
    (159 votes)
296 votes total Vote Now